6 Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Brands You Should Know
SEE HOW THE RIGHT LAUNDRY DETERGENT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN YOUR CLOTHES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
By Mia Bencivenga
March 10, 2021
Laundry. It’s something we all have to do. For most of us, it’s a pretty routine chore — so routine that most of us don’t stop to think about what’s in the laundry detergent we’re using.
Unfortunately, many laundry detergents aren’t as innocuous as you might think. They can contain harsh perfumes, dyes, preservatives, stabilizers, phosphates, parabens, and formaldehyde, and other ingredients that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.
Plus, once your load of laundry is washed, all the ingredients that are in your detergent go back into the water supply, where they can negatively impact the environment by harming aquatic life and their habitats.
One of the best ways to lead an eco-friendly life is being mindful of what’s in the products you use every day. Here’s a quick guide to some green detergents we think you’ll love:
Mrs. Meyers
Mrs. Meyers is a great alternative to a classic detergent, and it’s found in most grocery stores. Mrs. Meyers detergent is effective but gentle and uses plant-derived cleaning ingredients with dirt and stain-fighting enzymes. Better yet, it uses essential oils for fragrance, are cruelty-free and use recyclable packaging.
Charlie Soap Co.
Something that distinguishes Charlie Soap Co. from other detergents is that the company only uses biodegradable, hypo-allergenic ingredients that are safe for the earth. Their detergents contain no smelling agents and leave no residues, which is ideal for people with very sensitive skin or allergies. In addition to liquid detergents, powder detergent options and non-chlorine bleach are also available.
Eco Nuts
Eco Nuts truly lives up to its name! Its products are organic, cruelty-free, and it has transparent, non-toxic formulas. The packaging is also sustainable, and the company makes a point of reusing recycled paper and cardboard boxes as many times as possible. In addition to getting your clothes clean, Eco Nuts is also committed to reducing its footprint. After all, the way a company makes a product can be just as important as the product itself!
EcoTwist
Ready for an eco-friendly detergent with a twist? EcoTwist’s formula is free of parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, phosphates, is cruelty-free, uses only non-GMO ingredients, and comes in a variety of scents and hypoallergenic scent-free options. Better yet, its detergent is safe for babies and pets alike. Plus, its formula actually kills odor-causing bacteria at the source, instead of just covering up smells with heavy perfumes, striking the balance between eco-friendly and effective.
Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation is another widely-available green detergent with a big following. All ingredients are plant-based with only non-synthetic dyes or fragrances. Seventh Generation is committed to ingredient transparency and a reduced carbon footprint and the use of recycled materials to make its packaging. Plus, if you aren’t just in the market for detergent, Seventh Generation also sell plenty of other green cleaning products, like dishwashing soap and household cleaners.
ECOS
If you want a transparent green detergent that’s made sustainably, ECOS may be for you. ECOS is made from plant-based materials, is never tested on animals and has hypoallergenic options. Plus, its formula is free from dyes, parabens, phosphates, and phthalates. Better yet, its production is carbon neutral, water neutral, and True Platinum Zero Waste Certified. Plus, ECOS also uses 100% renewable energy to power its facilities — something we can all get behind!
If you’re looking to making your laundry room — and the world — a greener place, give one of these eco-friendly detergent brands a try.
I’m surprised you didn’t mention detergents made without water and plastic jugs like earth breeze. Much friendlier to the environment.
Great list! Stains can be a nuisance on some of our favorite outfits, and the potential dry-cleaning bill can be even more of a headache. In addition, vinegar is your best friend when it comes to removing those hard-to-beat stains from crayon, rust, ink, and grass. Pre-treat stains as quickly as possible for the best results.